DSC-T100 Import Model vs. American Model

[Berklie]

Hello there,
I was wondering if someone would please let me know the answer to the below question:

- How does an "import model" differ from an "American model" in terms of the Sony Cybershot DSC-T100?

I made the rookie mistake of not checking all of the fine print on an online order I made this past Friday, April 13, (from Broadway Photo) and I now see that an "import model" is being sent to me. I'm not happy about this fact, but I cannot say that I am being "scammed," per se.

Being that I plan on having this camera for years to come, is it in my best interest to return the "import model" (losing the "restocking fee") and get an "American model" from an authorized USA dealer (I live in Illinois)? I have no way of knowing what I am not receiving with my "import model" order. For all I know, the user guide and all of the menus on the camera will be in a different language. I cannot believe they hid the "import model" status as the last item under a hidden "Included Accessories" page.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you so much in advance,
Berklie

[Tiffany78]

I have a similar question. I found a seller on ebay offering the camera I want at a good deal and the description says "USA model", and "factory sealed". So this means its ok and not gray market right? Does "USA model" mean intended for sale in US, or just made in US???

[David Metsky]

There's probably no difference in the cameras themselves.

The problems would be if you have to send the camera in for service. It's going to be difficult or impossible to get service on the grey market cameras. You may have to send them to Japan for any warranty work.

-dave-

[Paul79UF]

I got my Nikon D100 DSLR from a grey market dealer but with a 5 year warranty from MACK.

I saved some cash over buying the USA w/warranty model.

Had to get the shutter fixed once and the repair shop had my camera back to me in a little over a week.

[Plemix.com]

Hi Berlie,
Your import model of Sony T100 should be the same as the American model except for the service warranty part (If sony does not service it). Some import model will not get warranty coverage by the manufacture, and some do. It is up to the manufacture whether they will honor it or not. However, there are importer sell their digital camera with their own warranty coverage.
Besides that, everything should be the same, because all digital camera comes with english langague support on the menu.

P.S. One other thing might be the manual. If your import model is from Japan. It might only have japanese language on it. But if your import is from Euro, then it will for sure have english on the manual. But sometimes, Japan originate item will also have english language on the manual. There are reseller sells import with a copy of english user guide provided.

You just have to make sure you ask them all the question before you purchase.
:)

[eret anika]

I import china model. Here in Asia most of all Chinese models are using. So its well and good. I import it 2 years before but its quality is same as i was bought it.

[thomboz]

Why are there gray market or import models? And why do they cost less? Is it that big stores can buy them cheaper from someone other than their US importer? Can I mail order a gray market camera from Europe that was intended for the US and save money? (OK the last question was a joke, but not the others:)
ThomBoz